Borno State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, with recent reports indicating 274 new suspected cases recorded within a 24-hour period. As of the epidemiological summary covering May 1 to June 2, a total of 4,204 suspected cholera cases have been identified at Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) and Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) across the state. Tragically, 39 deaths have been reported during this period, while 2,664 patients have been discharged. The Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, noted a significant decline in the disease’s case fatality rate to below one percent due to aggressive response and sustained health promotion.

The outbreak has affected a widespread area, impacting 118 settlements across 21 communities, or 139 communities across seven LGAs depending on the reporting period. Cases have been recorded in 10 local government areas, with the most severely affected areas being Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) with 2,404 cases and Jere Local Government Area with 1,214 cases. Other affected LGAs include Konduga (275), Mafa (184), Monguno (90), Kaga (18), Bama (8), Kwaya Kusar (8), Ngala (2), and Magumeri (1), highlighting MMC and Jere as the epicenters.

On the ground, treatment facilities, particularly in Maiduguri and Jere, have been overwhelmed by the influx of patients. Reports indicate that at Brig-Gen Abba Kyari General Hospital, Ngaranam, patients were being treated on bare floors due to insufficient space, with trampoline treatment tents filled predominantly with women and young children. Health workers at these centers are struggling with the high volume, noting that the current outbreak is particularly severe. Concerns were raised by residents and health workers about patients dying at home, with some community members hesitant to seek hospital treatment despite experiencing severe symptoms like vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea.

Medical experts, like Dr. Tijjani Ammani, describe cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, leading to severe dehydration, shock, and potentially death if untreated. The disease is primarily transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with infected faeces. Poor sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate waste disposal, and reliance on contaminated water sources, such as the Mother Cat Dam reservoir, are significant factors contributing to its spread. Open defecation was also identified as a major driver of outbreaks in certain communities. Prevention depends on good hygiene, safe water, regular hand washing, proper waste disposal, and thorough cooking of food.

In response to the crisis, the Borno State government has intensified its efforts. The Ministry of Health and Human Services has deployed health workers, ad hoc committees, and volunteers to affected communities, distributing preventive materials like soap, disinfectants, and chlorine. Governor Babagana Zulum directed the procurement and distribution of drugs, medical consumables, and hygiene materials worth millions of Naira to ensure free treatment for patients. Ambulance drivers and paramedics have been stationed at nine strategic locations within the state capital to facilitate rapid transportation of emergency cases to treatment centers. Additionally, government officials, in collaboration with medical personnel, have conducted extensive public awareness campaigns, including advocacy visits to traditional leaders like the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, to mobilize community support for hygiene practices and early medical intervention. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) materials, including chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, and community education tools, have also been distributed to strengthen prevention and response.